Men's Basketball

Nadelhoffer takes Millikin helm

DECATUR, Ill. -- Millikin University Athletic Director Joe Hakes is pleased to announce that Matt Nadelhoffer is the new Big Blue head men’s basketball coach. Nadelhoffer comes to Millikin from Eastern University in St. Davids, Penn., where he has served as head coach since 2002.

“Matt Nadelhoffer will bring enthusiasm and a track record for program building to Millikin men’s basketball,” said Hakes. “His time at Eastern University shows that he knows how to create and maintain a highly competitive team in a tough league.”

“I want to thank Millikin University for hiring me as their next men's basketball coach,” said Nadelhoffer. “From the moment I stepped on campus and met the Millikin community I felt like I belonged. The institution is committed to winning and I feel Millikin is a sleeping giant in the CCIW and I am anxious to get to work immediately.”

Nadelhoffer guided the Eastern program for nine years. Under Nadelhoffer’s direction the Eagles had the school’s highest Freedom Conference finish in school history finishing in second in 2009-10. He led the team to a school record 17 wins (17-9) in the 2008-09 season. Nadelhoffer led the Eagles to 16-win seasons in 2005-06 (16-10) and 2006-07 (16-11).

Prior to going to Eastern University, Nadelhoffer was an assistant at the College of Dupage and was on their staff when they won the NJCCA National Championship in 2002.

“Matt’s name will be familiar to followers of CCIW basketball,” added Hakes. “He was the floor leader on a team that was ranked No. 1 in the country and he knows how to win. Millikin fans will be treated to Big Blue basketball teams that are well prepared, competitive and hungry for success.”

Nadelhoffer is a 1998 graduate of Wheaton College where he earned All-America and All-CCIW honors as a player. He set a NCAA record for assists in a tournament game with 20 and holds the Wheaton record for assists in a season at 221. After college, he played in the CBA and had a tryout stint with the Miami Heat in the NBA. In addition to his playing experience in the U.S., Nadelhoffer has played in Croatia, Portugal, England, Spain, Ireland, and Switzerland.

“I look forward to establishing a winning program that the Decatur community will rally around,” said Nadelhoffer. “I see great potential for us and I look forward to the challenge in what I feel is the best league in the country. I also look forward to working under Director of Athletics and Recreation Joe Hakes as I have nothing but respect for him and his leadership. My wife Rebecca, my three children and I are thrilled to be new members of the Big Blue family.”

“Matt’s influence in the program won’t end going out the gymnasium door,” said Hakes. “He is committed to fulfilling the Millikin mission through basketball and I believe that anyone who plays for him will not only be a better basketball player, but also a better person.”